Train Charter Services replaces Keolis as operator for GoVolta trains

A week before the planned launch of GoVolta’s new international rail service from Amsterdam, Dutch rail operator Train Charter Services (TCS) has been confirmed as the company that will operate the trains, Martijn van Vulpen reports. The announcement means that TCS replaces Keolis, which had initially been presented as the operating partner.

The first GoVolta trains are scheduled to start running on 19 March 2026, linking Amsterdam in the Netherlands with Berlin and Hamburg in Germany. The services are organised by travel company Flywise Travel under the brand GoVolta, which aims to offer lower-priced international rail connections.

Late change of operator

When GoVolta unveiled its operational plans in December 2025, Keolis was expected to provide the train crews and operate the service, while technical company Brouwer Technology would maintain the rolling stock.

However, shortly before the launch it emerged that Keolis would not operate the trains after all. The company’s current operating licence does not cover the planned international routes, and the late delivery of the rolling stock prevented staff from completing the necessary training. As a result, Train Charter Services will operate the service for the time being.

The first departure between Amsterdam and Berlin on 19 March is already fully booked following an extensive promotional campaign in which discounted tickets were sold through retailers such as HEMA and Kruidvat. After the inaugural run, the train will operate every other day, alternating between Berlin and Hamburg.

GoVolta’s low-cost concept

Plans for GoVolta date back to November 2023, when Flywise Travel applied for permission to run several international day trains from Amsterdam. The concept focuses on low-cost long-distance rail, competing primarily with budget travel options rather than high-speed rail.

Because the services are fitted between existing timetable paths, travel times are longer than on regular international trains. The operator instead aims to attract passengers through lower ticket prices and promotional partnerships.

After earlier delays caused by disagreements with a subcontractor, GoVolta spent much of 2024 and 2025 sourcing rolling stock and financing the project. The company eventually acquired 13 former I10 coaches from National Railway Company of Belgium, the NMBS / SNCB.

The standard GoVolta train will consist of ten refurbished coaches offering around 820 seats in economy and comfort classes. A lounge coach with drinks and light meals is planned to be added later.

The first batch of coaches arrived in the Netherlands in January 2026 for refurbishment at Brouwer Technology’s workshop in Blerick, where they are receiving the GoVolta livery.

Growing role for Train Charter Services

Founded in 2019 following the bankruptcy of Railpromo, Train Charter Services initially took over the operation of the Dinner Train and gradually expanded into charter services, freight operations and international passenger trains.

The company already operates services for operators such as European Sleeper and previously ran trains for GreenCityTrip. In recent years it has also expanded into Germany, operating passenger services on several regional lines where local operators faced rolling stock or staffing shortages.

TCS now holds operating certification not only in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany but also for routes to France, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia and Italian border stations.

With the addition of the GoVolta services, the company continues to broaden its presence in the European open-access rail market.

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